Zimbabwe police question ex-test batsman over fire

DURBAN, South Africa, Nov 1 (Reuters) Former test batsman Mark Vermeulen is being questioned by police about a fire at Zimbabwe cricket facilities in Harare, Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Ozias Bvute said today.

Bvute said the Zimbabwe academy premises were badly damaged in a fire yesterday, a day after emergency services extinguished a blaze at the Harare Sports Club.

Asked if Vermeulen had been arrested on suspicion of arson, Bvute told Reuters from Harare: ''Someone was seen driving away from the scene of the fire (on Tuesday), and I understand he (Vermeulen) has been taken in for questioning by the police in connection with the fire.

''No foul play was suspected at first but then the forensic team investigating the fire discovered that a window had been forced open.'' Vermeulen, 27, played eight tests and 32 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe.

REUTERS AY BST2150